New Orleans Pelicans ahead Brandon Ingram is going through an indefinite absence after sustaining a high-grade left ankle sprain throughout Saturday night time’s 119-109 loss to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. The group introduced the damage on Sunday, emphasizing that his return timeline will rely upon how he responds to remedy and rehabilitation.
The 27-year-old All-Star sprained his ankle after touchdown awkwardly on Thunder ahead Lu Dort’s foot whereas trying a soar shot. The play additionally resulted in an offensive foul as Ingram’s elbow inadvertently struck Dort through the movement.
A painful fall for Ingram
Ingram, who had just lately returned from a five-game absence attributable to proper plantar tendinitis, was visibly in ache and needed to be helped off the courtroom. He later exited the world sporting a strolling boot and utilizing crutches.
The damage marks a big blow to the Pelicans, particularly given Ingram’s significance to the group. Averaging 22.2 factors per sport this season, Ingram had simply scored 29 factors in his comeback sport in opposition to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, snapping the Pelicans‘ nine-game dropping streak.
One other chapter in a season of setbacks
The Pelicans‘ damage struggles have been a recurring theme this season. Regardless of having three former All-Stars Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Dejounte Murray on their roster, the trio has but to play a single sport collectively.
Saturday’s sport highlighted the group’s challenges. Ingram was restricted to only 5 factors on 1-of-4 capturing earlier than his damage, and New Orleans discovered themselves trailing by 26 at halftime.
Ingram’s absence comes as a serious hurdle for a group already combating to regain momentum in a extremely aggressive Western Convention. Whereas the Pelicans await updates on Ingram’s restoration, the teaching employees might want to depend on a depleted roster to navigate the weeks forward.
Can the Pelicans rally with out Ingram?
As New Orleans seems to regroup, the main target will shift to gamers like Zion Williamson and Murray to fill the void left by Ingram. Nonetheless, with accidents derailing any likelihood of consistency, the Pelicans face an uphill battle of their quest to stay playoff contenders.
For now, followers and teammates alike hope for a speedy restoration for his or her star ahead.